Report – Robert Stagg – 24 Jun 1815

General Report of the Teesdale Mines 24th June 1815



Flakebridge Since the last Quarterly Report we have cut the Vein at this Mine at the depth of the Engine Drift, but am sorry to add its appearance is by no means flattering.   It has ore in it altho’ none that can be saved.   It is necessary now to open a communication between the Upper level and this Engine Drift, by sinking a Sump in the Vein, which will enable us to prove it the whole of the depth between them, say about ten or twelve fathoms, and we are accordingly preparing to bore & sink for this purpose.    It will require Six or Eight Months to sink the Sump in question, and altho’ the appearance in the situation where the vein is now cut, is unpromising, we do not quite despair of finding a better Mine between the Old Workings and the Engine Drift.   I am not however by any means Sanguine as to the Result.			



The Trials at Wiregill, Brockersgill, & Mannergill, are proceeding with little or no variation of circumstances



Lodgesyke This mine has been Materially poorer the last Month or Six Weeks and as the prices were kept so low during the three last Quarters, that the Workmens earnings were quite inadequate to the Support of their Families.   I have been obliged to increase the prices at the present Bargains to give them a Chance of bringing their Years earnings to average at about from £35 to £40 each Man, which is as little as they can possibly subsist upon   It is the opinion of all practical Agents that they can hardly reach this Average with the greatest exertions, unless the Mine improves Materially beyond our expectations during the ensuing Quarter.



Coldberry This Mine is somewhat poorer altho’ altho [sic] its prospects are still promising.

      R. Stagg.



further Remarks on Letting the Teesdale Bargains in R Staggs Letter 26 June 1815 Vide Letter Book pages 

[This is in the same hand as the body of the report yet was presumably added by the Lead Company clerk transcribing into the report book]